Impact of cyber threat awareness on driver response to an unexpected vehicle cyberattack

Trevor F. Lanigan, Tyler Biggs, Erika E. Gallegos (), Jeremy Daily, Emma J. Reid and Sarah Powers
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Trevor F. Lanigan: Colorado State University
Tyler Biggs: Colorado State University
Erika E. Gallegos: Colorado State University
Jeremy Daily: Colorado State University
Emma J. Reid: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Sarah Powers: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Journal of Transportation Security, 2025, vol. 18, issue 1, No 12, 26 pages

Abstract: Abstract The integration of advanced cyber-physical systems in heavy vehicles introduces new vulnerabilities by expanding the possibility of cyberattacks. The objective of this study is to evaluate (1) how threat awareness influences driver response to an unexpected cyberattack, (2) how the provision of a basic cyberattack response protocol influences driver performance, and (3) how professionally trained versus standard drivers compare in their responses to a cyberattack. An on-road driving study (N = 50) was conducted using a medium heavy-duty vehicle. Participants were divided into three groups: Control, which remained unaware of any potential cyberattack; Aware, which was informed about the potential cyberattack; and Aware + Protocol, which received the same warning as the Aware group with the addition of a basic cyberattack response protocol. An instrument cluster cyberattack was executed at the same location for all participants. The findings highlight the essential role of awareness and response protocol in enhancing driver response to an unexpected vehicle cyberattack. The Aware + Protocol group had the highest stop rate (100%) and the shortest stopping distances (224 m for standard drivers and 254 m for professionals), compared to the Control group (828 and 520 m, respectively). Aware + Protocol also had the fastest reaction time, averaging 7.53 s, versus 16.12 s (Aware) and 30.29 s (Control). These results emphasize that awareness alone is insufficient. Providing drivers with clear, actionable protocols significantly improves their ability to react quickly and safely to cyberattacks, enhancing overall road safety.

Keywords: Human factors; Cybersecurity; Driver behavior; On-road study; Heavy vehicle; Response protocol (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s12198-025-00303-0

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